Name: Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Pasta Fall Dinner
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne or Rigatoni pasta; 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed); 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; Salt and black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Penne or Rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about one cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage. While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sage, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish. Add the cooked sausage and the drained pasta back into the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese and fresh sage leaves.

Cook Time: 30 minutes